How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Policy in India

Choosing the best health insurance plan which best fits your requirements is an important decision not just for you but also for your family.

There was a time when there was no ‘right’ health insurance plan as there weren’t many in the first place.

But as health insurance needs of individuals have evolved, insurance companies have been quick to innovate by launching better plans offering a range of options.

Before selecting a suitable health insurance plan, it is important to keep in mind that there is no one size that fits all.

So if your friend or colleague has selected a plan, it does not become an automatic choice for you. The needs of a healthy twenty-five year old are vastly different from the needs of a family, which is markedly different from an individual on the threshold of retirement. Your health plan must address needs specific to you and your family.

Fortunately, there are a wide range of options for just about every situation and health condition.

Every health insurance plan has different ways of handling different health conditions so it’s important to know these options and whether they suit you.

First, you must determine what kind of coverage you need and whether or not you can afford it. Your insurance advisor should be of assistance in arriving at an ideal health cover that takes into account needs of your family.

Next scour the insurance landscape for a health insurance policy that best meets your requirements.

Next scour the insurance landscape for a health plan that meets your requirements.

Broadly, go for health plans that offer the following options

Maximum period of time over which the premium remains constant even after making claims

Enhanced cover on claim-free years at same premium

Expansive cover of illnesses and health conditions. So if there is a family history for a particular health condition like heart ailments, ensure the health plan has it covered.

Flexibility to tailor-make the plan in terms of health cover, benefit options and premium payment.

Hassle-free claim process with cashless benefits on surgeries and hospitalization across a wide network of hospitals.

Tax benefits under relevant sections of the law

These are the options that must be evaluated before selecting a health insurance plan. They need close scrutiny because you can never be too careful when it comes to your and your family’s health.